In
June 1812, the United States declared
war on Britain, already locked in combat
with Napoleon’s France. The resulting
War of 1812 was fought largely on Canadian
territory, especially along the Niagara
frontier.
The
Americans were superior in numbers but
badly organized. First Peoples, including
a Shawnee contingent led by Tecumseh,
and Canadian militia units provided invaluable
support to Canada’s garrison of
professional soldiers. In October 1812,
Sir Isaac Brock, commander-in- chief
of Upper Canada, was killed defeating
a major American invasion attempt at
Queenston Heights, on the Niagara River.
Much skirmishing and raiding occurred
throughout the first part of 1813, especially
along Lake Ontario and the Niagara frontier.
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